Well tool



L. c. MILLER 2,375,313

WELL r001.

Filed Feb. 7, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet l" May 8," 1945.

L. c. MILLER Filed Feb. 7, 1941 WELL TOOL s Sheets-Sheet 3 Leonidas C. M/Y/er' atented May 1945 WELL TOOL Leonidas C. Miller, Dallas, Tex., asslgnor oi onehalf to Eastman Oil Well Survey Company, Dallas, Tex., a corporation of Delaware, and one-half to Eastman Oil Well Survey Corporation, Long Beach, Callh, a corporation of Calil'ornia Application F bruary 7, 1941; Serial No. 377,171

This invention rela tes to provements in well tools.

' One object of the invention is to provide an improved well tool which is adapted to be lowered new and useful 'iminto position within a well bore and oriented into 6 a'predetermined known angle or position relative .to' the low side of the hole; the tool being adapted for use in properly locating a wall hook; or other device in the bore and being particularly useful in controlled or directional drilling operations.

The invention will-be described herein as combined with a drill bit assembly but it, is not tobe limited ta su'ch combination for it will be apparentthat the tool may be employed with other devices for lccating the same within the well id An important object of the invention is to provicle animproved well tool wherein a well device is arranged to be positively swung or ofi-set in a orientation of the device without the necessity of rotating said tool and device may be accomplished to permit subsequent well operations.

.A particular object of the invention'is toprovide 26 an improved well tool wherein an element or device is suspended from the body of the tool so a as to be capable, of deflection in any direction,

together with hydraulically actuated means, for

determined known direction; said means not only acting-to initially deflect the element but also functioning to lock said element in its deflected position, whereby the element is properly oriented within the well bore and subsequent operations 6 maybe immediately commenced. h

Another object of theinvention is. to provide an improved well deflecting tool which is sovc'onstructed that thehydraulically. actuated means :ior accomplishing deflection of the bit assembly'dll may be operated 'by the pressure of the drilling fluid which vnormally circulated downwardly through the drill pipe and around the bit during the drilling operation, whereby the necessity of providing 'a'separate or auxiliary conductor for actuating said hydraulic means is eliminated.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved valve arrangement for controlling the flow of fluid pumped downwardly through the drill stem to the tool, whereby said fluid may be directed to the hydraulically operated deflecting 2nd locking means to deflect and '-locl;thebitiri V .rangement being such that after the bit has been properly oriented and actual drilling started, the ered through the well bore W and has the impredete'rmined positionithe ar- 16 Claims. ,(cf. 255-) valve is automatically actuated to permit circulation of the fluid through the drill bit and also to the deflecting and locking means to retract the same.

4 further objector the invention is to provide -an improved. tool of the character described, wherein a gravity controlled actuating means is-adapted to be moved into engagement with the suspended drill bit to cause a deflection of said bit in a predetermined known direction, said gravity controlled means being readily adjustable to cause deflection of the bit in any desired direction. I

Theconstruction designed to carr out the in vention will be hereinafter described together with other features of the invention.

The inventionwill be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, as predetermined known direction after the tool has 20 been lowered into the well bore; whereby accurate an example of the invention is shown, and wheretracted position,. eng g g and deflecting said element in a pre- Figure 3 is an enlarged transverse, vertical sectional view of the deflecting and locking means in engagement with the upper end drill bit, said bit being in its deflected position,

Figure 4 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view,

taken on the line 4-4 of Figure'2,

Figure 5 is a transverse vertical, sectionalview '-of the valvearrangement. with the parts in position during actual drilling and following retraction of the deflecting and locking means,

Figure 6 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view,

takenon the line 6-6 ofFigure. 2,

Figurel is ahorizontal, cross-sectional view, 7

taken on the line 1-1 of Figure 2,

igure 8 is a detail of the actuating shoe, Figure 9 is an enlarged, transverse, sectional 3 view of a modified form of theinvention,

Figure 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional vie'w,

taken on the line lc-l 0 of Figure 9, 'and Figure ll'is a view, similar to Fi ure 4, or sun another form otthe invention. 1

In the'drawinzathe numeral l0 designates the usual rotatable drill pipe or stem which has an elongate coupling sleeve ll threaded onto its I lower end. The drill stem is adapted to be lowthe tool lowered within a well deflecting tool includes a main body or housing |2 which is connected to a pilot bit assembly i3 by means of a ball and socket connection I4 and,

manifestly, the pilot bit assembly is free to swing this stem is threaded into the bod l8 of a main cutting bit or reamer. The reamer includes vertically extending cutting blades i9 which project radially outwardly from the body of said reamer a desired distance so that upon rotation of said blades within the iormation, a bore of the desired diameter is'drilled. A tubular shank has its proved deflecting tool '1' connected to its lower end by means of the coupling sleeve The J ment within its. socket. Thus, the pilot bit assembly It may undergo a swinging movement with relation to the socket element but upon a rotation of said socket element, a similar rotation is. imparted to the pilot bit assembly through the ,co-action of the connecting pins and the recesses 32. P

The tubular body or housing-"I2 erthe deflecting tool has its lower end threaded onto the upper end of the socket element 25 and said housing The ex-- 'treme upper end of the bore of the housing |2 extends upwardly from said element.

is reduced as shown at 33 and the coupling sleeve which connects the drill stem to with the housingslidably extends through-this reduced portion,- whereby the lower portion of said sleeve is disposed within the-upp r end oi the housing. For rotatably connecting the sleeve 3 'to the housing 12, while permitting a limiting sliding movement of said sleeve relative tothe housing, said sleeve is formed. with a plurality lower end threaded into the body of the reamer I8 and a ball 2| is preferably formed integral with the upper end of this shank. Itis' preferable that the shank have a general tapered, ex; ternal surface, being slightly reduced toward its upper end and immediately below the ball 2|. An elongate passage or bore, 22 extends through the shank 20 and through the ball 2| and the upper end or this passage or bore is flared cute wardl toprovide an amplified inclined or bevelled seating surface .28. Since the shank 20 is directly threaded into the body ll of the reamen. it will be obvious that the passage 22 through said shank and through the ball establishes com-.

munication between the area above the ball and thepilot bit assembly. y The ball 2|, which is provided at the upper end or the shank 2o, flts or engages within a ball socket 22 whichis formed within a socket eleof' vertical key-ways 84 in its lower portion. Each key-ways is adapted to receivean elongate,

vertically extending key 35 which is suitably se-" i cured within an opening 36 provided in the upper end of thehousing i2. It is noted'that thekeys 35 may, i; desired; be made integral with the wall of said housing. Maniiestly; with this arrangement, the coupling sleeve H mayundergo a limited longitudinal movement with relation to the housing i2 but a rotationoi the sleeve will impart a. similar rotation to the housing through the co action oi the key-ways 34 with the keys 35.

From the above it will be seen that the drill stem ||l has a directconnection .with the housing i2 through the sleeve H and any rotation 10! the stemwlll rotate said housing, The lower end oia the housing, being threaded onto the socket element 25 and the ball is retained within said socket by means oi! a flanged collar 28 which is threaded into the lower end of the socket element 25. The bore 21 of the retaining collar 26 is flared or taperedbompiementary to the tapered external surface of the shank 20 and;this bore co-acts with the shank .to limit the swinging movement of the pilot bit assembly "with rela- .tion to the socket element 251- 'A suitable pack ing ring 28 may be interposed between the socket 24 and the upper portion of the outer surface oi" -the ball 2| and this ring may. be exposed to the pressure surrounding the ball and socket, wherement 25, will impart a rotation to said socket element and the pin and recess connection between said element 25 and the ball 2| will result in a rotation olthe pilot bit assembly (43. The socket element 25 is formed with an axial bore 31 which extends upwardly from the socket 2B and thelxpper end or this .borefis enlarged and threaded to receive the lower end or an elongate cylinder 38. As is clearly shown in Figure 2; the

' cylinder 38 is concentric to-the housing i2 and is or a smaller diameter the bore of said housing; whereby an annular'space or passage 321s formed between said cylinder and the wall of the housing. ,The extreme. lower end of the cylinder 28 is provided-with inclined ports 60 which establish s. communication between the by such pressure will urge the ring into atighter'" alined within the well borew'by means ofradially extending cutting blades-29 which extend vertically on the outersurface or said element. .-I Eor rotatably'connecting the socket element 25 with thebail 2| so that a rotation or the ole-.-

' ment will impart rotation to the. balland thus to the pilot bit assembly It, said element is prosealing engagementp The socket element 25 within which the ball 2| is mounted is'axially annular passage 88 and ftheinterior'oi the cylindervat its lower end. V

The upper. end-of the cylinder 38 is closed by a flangedihead or can 4| which is threaded ifito tiallyequal tothe diamet r or. th housing bore and this flange has an-annular packing element vided with a plurality of inwardly extending pins so w ich are suitably secured within the body r:

theelement. .A hearing collar'tl is mounted on "theinwardhr projecting endor each pin and eachcollar, -isdisposed within a vertical recess 32 downwardly "from the top. of the hem The lower end or the bore 44 communicates with the {which is iormed-jin'theexternal. surface oi the. ball 2labove the retaining-collar 26. v'lihe re the upper end or the cylinder. The flange 22 of'the head'- has anexternal diameter substanor ring ,43 mounted therein to providers seal between the 9, andthe. housingjwhereby the upper end or the annular passage'teis sealed or packed oil.- Theupper end of the oap'or: head 4| is formed with anaxial borefl-which extends annular passage 22 through a, pluralityot radially extendlnaifinclined ports is which are I rormed in thehead andwhich are open to the masses 22 are or a sumcient length with relation" to,'the diameter or the collars 2| to-permit the hall 2| to undergoa rotative'or swinging extreme-upper end oi. the annular passage in: Communication between the housing i2 above -4 the head orc'apfl 'andthe interior oi the cylin-v 12; such movement being pe der 38 is established through a plurality of tical passages 36 which aredrllled through said head and which'are located between the radial.

ports 45, as

is clearly evident from ,Figures 2 and 3.

A tubular valve stem 47 has its lower end f threaded into the axial bore 44 of the closure" head or cap 4! and this stem extends upwardly,

above said head and into the lower, enlarged end of the bore Ila of the coupling sleeve II.

This tubular stem has its lower end incommuni cation with the annular passage 39 between the cylinder 38 and the housing [2, such communica- Lion being through the inclined ports 45 which are formed in the head 4!. A plurality of openings 48 are provided in the upper end of the tubular stem 6? and establish communication between the bore of said said stein and the exterior thereof. A valve sleeve 49 is threaded into the lower end of the bore Ila of the coupling II and this sleeve surrounds the valve stem 41.

The lower portion of the sleeve 49 has a packing element 50 mounted within its bore and when the coupling sleeve is in a raised position, as

shown in Figure 2, the packing element 50 over-- lies the openings 48 in the tubular valve stem to close said openings. When the coupling II is moved downwardly with relation to the housing connection between said sleeve and, housing, the

valve sleeve 69 is moved downwardly on the valve stem so as to uncover the openings 48; at the I same time, the lower end of the packing element 50 engages the upper end of the head or cap-4|,

as shown in Figure 5, to overlie and close the vertical passages 45 in said head and thereby cut oil communication to the upper end of the cylinder38. Immediately above the packing element 50, the valve sleeve 49 is provided with a ,plurality of radial ports or openings 5| which establish a communication between the bore Ha of the coupling 1 I and the upper end of the housing [2 above the head 41-. A suitable packing cup 510, may be secured to the underside of the cou pling ll so as to seal ofl between said coupling and the bore of the housing I: and prevent the escape of a fluid fr'om within the housing out-' 'wardly through the key slots 34.

The tubular ,valve stem "and the valve sleeve 49 which c'o-acts therewith provides aneilicient 4 means for controlling-the flow of fluid which is circulated downwardly through the drill stem "I. When the parts are in-the position shown in Figure 2, .the fluid flowing downwardly through the drill stem will pass outwardly through the ports Si in the valve sleeve 49 and thenidown to the stem has uncovered the radial openings 48 inthejupper portion oi saidstem, whereby fluidfrom the drill pipe in may pass downwardly into the tubular stem 41 and-then through the in- .clined ports 45 ,in the head 4| "to thelannula'r Passage "within the hollsillg 12; From this passage, the fluid flows through the inclined ports 40 in the lower end of the cylinder and. then downwardly through" the sh'anl'r- 20, tubular extension n and finally out through t e circulating vertted by the key in the position shown in Figure 5,ia normal circulation of; drilling'fluid downwardly to the pilot bit maybe accomplished, such fluid being by- 5 passed around thecylinder 38. j v i A tubular or hollow piston:52 is 'reciprocable within the bore 38a of the cylinder: 38. The

, piston has its upper end losedby a flangedcap 53 which is threaded therein and'the' outer peterbore 55 of the cylinder 38. The lower end-of the piston is closed by a plug 56 which has'itslower portion formed with a bevelled or inclined.

5 surface 51. The piston 52 is normally held in a raised position within the cylindenas' shown in,

Figure 2, by a'coiled spring 58 which isconfined between the flange of the cap-53 and an internal shoulder 59 which is formed within the cylinder ,by the counterbore 55,- When the valvestem 41 and its co-acting valve sleeve 49 are in the positions shown in Figure 2, a fiuidpressure from the drill stem may pass downwardly into the upper' I end of the housing above the head ti and then 25 downwardlythrough the vertical passagesefi into the upper end; of the cylinder at, whereby the tubular piston 52 i moved downwardly within the cylinder. Upon a release ofpressure from above the piston 52, the spring 58 will raise said 30 piston upwardly to its originalposition (Figure 2) any pressure above said piston escaping through bleeder ports 60 which are formed in'the upper end of the cylinder 38 below the head 4!.-

A gravity controlled actuating' means is carried 3 by the piston 52 and thismeans is clearly shown i Figure 3. The actuatingmeans-is provided for the purpose of deflectin the pilot bit assembly i3 in a'predetermined direction-within the wellbore and includes a shaft 6| which extends axially-- through the tubular piston 52. The upper end of -the shaft is rotatablymounted in bearings 62 which are mounted within the cap 53, while the lower end of the shaft extends outwardly to an opening '63 formed in the plug 56 which closes 45 the lower end of the piston. fI'he lower portion of the shaft H is mountedwithin ball bearings 62a which are suitably supportedwithin' the pl '56 and, thus, it will be'seen that the shaft BI is 61 and, obviously, will tend to fall to. the low'side of the well bore when the device is lowered therein. Therefore, the weight will tend to rotate the shaft 6| to'apredetermined posltion-with relation to theilow sideof s'aid well bore.

An actuating element E is mounted on the lower projecting end of the rotatable shaft BI and includes a *collar} 66" which is fastened to "the go shaft by-means of a set screw- 61 or by some other adjustable means. A radially extending, flexible arm 68 whichis made of rubber o r'other yieldable aterielyextends outwardly-from the collar 66 end-has a bearing shoe 59 secured to its outer 05 end. The bearing shoe .69 is constructed of a relatively light material, such as'aluminum', and

disposed at an angle from the horizontally ex--- A tending amt, such ang'le being substantiall complementary to the inclineor bevel'of the o seating surface 23 at the upper end of the ball 2|.

; Theinterior or the piston 52 contains a suitable dampeningfluid 'o'rliquid and in order to equalize the pressure interiorly and exteriorly of said piston an annular packlngelement H1 is mounted 1| within theplug 56 (Figure 3). The interior-of orts IS in the pilot bit is. Tittl -"with the val e 10 riphery of the cap carries a suitable packing ringit which ha a sealing engagement with the coun freely rotatable within the interior. of the piston 5Q 52. Aweight 64, which is arcuate in crbss-section (Figure 4) ispermanently secured on the shaft 9 the cylinder,

the packingelement ll to the liquid within the interior oi the piston I2 throu h ports I I, while the exterior of said element is exposed to the pressure of the fluld'withlnthe entire tool through inclined passages-1L The annular element II provides a compensating means whereby "the pressure within the piston and outside of said piston may be equalized- The bearing shoe 8! is secured to the shaft 8| in a predetermined position withresp t to the and when the piston is in a raised position, as shown in Figure 2-, the shoe is spaced a slight clearly shown in Figure 2. As the device is'lowvered into the well bore, it-will be obvious that the weight 64 will find the low side of said bore and willrotate the shoe it to a predetermined position relative to the .low side of said well bore. Since the shoe is'of a relatively light material, it will not interiere with or sheet the rotational the shaft 8 I as controlled by the weight. when a.

fluid pressure is admitted upper end of the piston 82- is moved downwardly, whereby the bearing shoe 89 is engaged with the inclined seating surface 28 ofthe ball 2i. A continued downward movement of the piston willclamp the shoe '8 between the surface 23 01 the ball 2| and the inclined surface 5101! the lower end or the piston, such clamping being made possible by the flexible arm 88 which supports the shoe 69.

bit It engaging the low side of said bore; however, said bit might be in any other position at this time.

After lowering of the tool is completed, a pressure fluid is pumped downwardly through the drill stem andgsuch pressure will flow downweight at, which is also fastened on said shaft distance from the lower end of the piston,-as is wardly through the 1: re lla. of the coupling II and then through ports or openings 5! in the valve sleeve 49. This pressure fluid will then the weight 64 will have swung to the low side of the hole,- whereby-the shoe B9 is located in a predetermined position with relation to the low sideof the bore. As the iston 52 is moved downwardly by the application of pressure there- .to, the shoe 69 'is moved into engagement with the seating surface 2-3 of theball 2| and said shoe will be clamped between this seating sur- The provision of the flexible oriyieldable arm 68 s also prevents the -on of any strain to being bent orbroken is. obviated. After such 7 position is. reacheda continued pressure onthe piston l2 will result in a deflection oi the pilot bit assembly, such deflection being in a direction 180 opposite the point 0! contact oi the shoe is I with the ball 2 I. By properly positioning the shoe iron the shaft I withrespect to the weight 84,

it will be obvious that deflection oi the pilot bit the shaft Oi, whereby any danger of said shaft face and the inclined lower end 51 of the piston. A continued downward movement of the piston causes a downward pressure on the seating surface 23 at its point of contact with the shoe 69, whereby the ball 2! is rotated within its socket and the entire pilot bit assembly deflected or swung into a predetermined or known position, as controlled by the initial setting of the healing shoe 69.

After the bit assembly l8 has been ,deflected in the manner above described, the entire assembly is lowered so that the bit i5 engages the bottom of the well bore. The weight or the drill stem is then placed upon the deflecting tool and such loweringof the drill stem causes the assembly in adesiied direction may be accom plished.

In the operation of the device, the

I shoe 8! is fastened on the rotatable shaft or in a prede termined, known position with relation to the weight 04. For example. the shoemight be posed in verticaljalinenient with the weight 84.. which case said shoe wouldbe moved to a well bore when the device was lowered into said. bore. As illustrated, the'shoe 69 is shown in a position-onset a number of degrees from the position of the weight 24. f

The device is lowered downwardly into the coupling sleeve ii to move downwardlywithrelation to the housing l2, such downward move-' ment being permitted by the key connection between the housing and the sleeve. Downward movement of the coupling ll with relation to the housing l2 continues until the parts assume the --positionshown in Figure 5, at which time the position in allnement with the low side of the well bore by means or the drill'stem l0 -in the l usual manner; During such lowering, the housing I2 is maintained in substantial axial aline-.

ment withthe well bore by means of the blades 20 which are formed on the exterior surface of the socket element 25, the outer edges of said blades engaging and riding upon the wall of the well bore W. During lowering of the device, the piston '52 within the cylinder 38 is held in its raised position by the coiled spring '58 and M in such position, the bearing shoe 69 is spaced upwardly above the seating surface 23 of the bal12l. Due to the ball and socket connection, the pilot bit assembly 12 is free to swing with relation to the housing l2 and, manifestly, said assembly will swing in a direction toward the low side of thewell bore.i Thus, when the lower end of the bore is reached, it is probable that the pilot bit assembly is ln-gpositlon with the packing element 50 of the valve sleeve 49 secured to the lower end of the coupling l l strikes the top of the closure head 4|. when this occurs,

the packing element" overlies the vertical passages 46 in the head and shuts off the communication with the upper end of the cylinder 38 above the piston 52. The downward movement of the coupling II with relation to the housing i2 causes the valve sleeve 49, which is carried by said coupling, to move downwardly on the tubular valve stem 41, whereby the packing element 50 of said sleeve which normally closes the ports or openings 48 in the stem 41 is moved downwardly below said openings so as to uncover the same. when the ports or openings 48 are 1 uncovered, the fluid from the drill stem may pass downwardly through the openings 48, through the stem 41 ports 45 and then downwardly into the annular passage 39 between the cylinder 38 and the housing l2. This fluid then flows downwardly through the annular space and through the inclined ports 40 in the lowerend or the cylinder 38, from where said fluid passes through the bore 22 of the ball 2i and shank 20. From the shank the fluid may pass through thevtubular stem l3 and then outwardly through the in the housing l2.

circulating esssees it of the pilot bit IS in the 1181131 manner. I

The pressure fluid which is circulated downwardly to the pilot bit l also passes into thelower end of the cylinder 38, through the ports 40 and recesses 400, provided in the external mechanism which controls theflow of fluid to be shut off from the upper end of the piston and to be conducted to the pilot bit IS, the drill stem is rotated and such rotation is imparted through the coupling ll, housing l2, ball and socket l4 end of the shaft 6|. Y A collar at, which is secured on the lower end of the shaft Si by means of a and to the pilot bit assembly l3, whereby said bit is rotated to perform the drilling operation.

From the foregoing, it will be obvious that the pilot bit assembly I3 is at all times free to swing with relation to the body or housing l2. The

- housing is maintained in substantial alinement with the well bore'by means of the cutter blades 29. The gravity controlled actuation means which include the bearing shoe 69 is actuated solely by the weight 64. This weight will at all times fall or swing to the low side of the hole, whereby the shaft 6| will be rotated thereby. \By

disposing the actuating shoe 69 ina predetermined radial position with relation to the weight 64, it will be manifest that said shoe may. be disposed in any desired position. In other words,

38. When the piston is actuated, the shoe is moved downwardly into engagement with the hall 2| and will eo-act therewith toswing the pilot bit assembly in a direction 180 opposite the point of contact between the shoe 69 and the ball 2!. In this manner an. accurate control of .the direction of deflection and accurate orientation of the bit l5 maybe had. r

In Figure 9, a slightly modifiedform of the invention is shown. In this form, the ball 2i is provided with an upstanding extension 13, the upper 'end of which is bevelled or inclined as shown at H. The bore 22. of.-the -ball 2| and the shank 20 communicates with the lower end of the cylinder 538 through 'inclinedports 15" ;which extend through the extension I3. Instead ofthe pilot bit assembly being being free to swing atall'times, as in the case in Figures 1 to' 8 the shank acts-maintained in substantial axial 'alinementwith the. housing "by-means" of a set screw 8! is connected to the block 18 by means of a flexible or yieldable connecting member 82. As is clearly shown in Figure 9, the collar 80 is disposed within the slot 1% of the block 18.

The underside of the block 18 is formed with an inclined surface 83 at its central portion and this inclined surface is adapted to co-act with the inclined or bevelled upper end M of the extension 13.

The operation of this form is obvious. The extension I3, as well as the entire pilot bit assembly is maintained axially alined with the housing l2 by means. of the flexible collar 16.

\ Thus, the upper end of the'extension is disposed below the inclined surface 83 of the block It; By

disposing the block 18 in a predetermined known position with relation to the weight 64 of the shaft 6|, it will be manifest that upon a .downward movement of the piston, the inclined surface 83 will co-act with-the inclined surface Id of the extension to cause a; deflection of the pilot bit assembly in a desired direction.

. In Figure 11, still another former the invention is shown. The construction of theishank 20,

ball 2| and extension 13 is substantially the same as that shown in Figure 8. However, in

place-of the piston 52 having the weight controlled shaft BI and the actuating block 18, the form shown in Figure 9 is provided with a piston I52 which isnormally urged to a raised'position by a coil spring l58 oonfined within the cylinder 38. The piston I52 has a plumb bob I 00 mounted therein, the upper end of said plumb bob being secured to the piston by a ball and socket the shoe 69 may be oriented within the cylinder .position shown in dotted lines in Figure 11. Since it is known that the plumb bob will always swing. f

connection. The lower end of, the plumbbob is provided with an actuating member l0l having its lowersurface tapered at I02, such taper being, it at the up-' complementary to the inclination per end of the extension 13. t

In the operation of this form, the plumb bob I00 will always swing to the low side of the hole and upon actuation or depression of the piston I52, the actuating member llll on the lower end ofsaid plumb bob will engage the upper end of the extension 13 to swing said extension tothe to the low side of the hole, it is obvious'that the v pilot bit assembly will be deflected in the same direction since. the extension 13 at-its upper endwill be moved in-a direction 180 opposite the flexible collar 76 which surrounds said shank.

This collar may be constructed of rubber, rubber compound orother suitable material.- and is bonded-to an annular. coupling ring 11 which is threadedinto the longer. end of the retaining'co- 1 lar 26. The flexible collar 16 normally and yi ;ably holds the shank 20, together with the ball 2| andextension I3, which arepreferablyniade' integral therewith in substantial alinement with- The extension [3 be engaged by an actuating block II which block is substituted to; th actuator E shown in the first form Asillu str ated, the block-l8 is substantially circular and is'formed witha'radially' extending slot 19 into which projects the lowera desired low side of thebore. In the form shown in Fig- 'ure 1 1, there is no adjustment as to which direction the pilot bit will be deflected since it must always be deflected .in a direction toward the low side of the hole. However, in the form shown in to 10, an adjustment is possible and the deflecting tool may be oriented in any direction. In all. instances, the deflecting mechanism is operated by hydraulic fluid,

} which fluid may be the usual drilling fluid circu- .lated downwardly through the drill stem.

It is again pointed out that the invention re-.

sides primarily in the knuckle joint and the im v filustrated projects upwardly into the s lower end 'of, the cylinder 38 and is adapted to proved means of orienting adevic'e, which is il-' as.a drill bit assembly; obviously other well devices may be substituted forthis assem-, bly and bore,-

; 'I'he'foregoing description of the'inventionis explanatory thereof and various changes in the "8116 5118136 and materials as well as in the details .751

of the illustrated. construction may be made,

could be acc urately oriented in the wen;

within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What I claim and desire toisecure by Letters Patent isz 1. An orienting apparatus for well devices in- I cluding, a body adapted to be connected to the lower-end of a well pipe, a well device suspended from the body and capable of a limited universal movement relative thereto, means movable longitudinally within the body relative to the-well,

device, a deflecting member carried by the mov-, able means and arranged to engage the well dosaid well device, whereby said device may be ,deflectedwithout deflecting the body within which the movable means is mounted, and agravity actuated means connected with the deflecting member for orienting said member whereby the the lower endbf the body by means of a knuckle joint so that said assembly may-undergo a limited universal movement relative to the body,.an actu ator within the body adapted to en age and coact with. the upperend of the drill bit assembly to cause deflection or inclination of said assembly, hydraulic means within the body connected with the actuator for imparting movement therevice at one radial point to effect deflection of a welldevice is deflected in a predetermined direction with respect to the oriented member. s

2. An orienting apparatus for well tools in-' cluding, a body adapted to be connected t6 the lower end of a well pipe, an element suspended from the body and capable of a limited universal movement relative to said body, said element having means for connecting a well tool thereto,

- actuating means within the body normally spaced from the upper end of-the element, orienting means associated with the actuating means ior orienting said actuating means within the body,

and hydraulic means for operating the actuating means to movethe same into {engagement with the element to deflect said element with relation to. the body and-therebydeflect' the welltool'connected' with sai eleinent, such deflection being in accordance with the position of the oriented actuator. V

3. An orienting apparatus for well devices in cluding, a body adapted to be connected to. the

lower end of a well pipe. a well device suspended i'rom the body and capable of a limited universal movement relative thereto, actuating means within the body normally'spaced from the upper end or the well device, hydraulic means for operating the actuating meansto move the same into engagement with the device to deflect said device with relation to the body, and gravity controlled means associated with the actuating means for orienting the actuating means within the body,

whereby when said actuating means igoperated, the well device is deflected in a predetermined known direction relative to said actuating means.

4. An orienting apparatus for well tools including, a tubular body adapted to be coupled to the lower end of awell pipe, an elongate element connected to the lower end of thebody by means of a knuckle ioint'so that said element may undergo a limited universal movement relative to the body, said element having means for connecting a .well tool therewith, an actuator within the body adapted to engage and co-a'ct with the-upper end of the element to cause deflection or inclination or 'said element and of thegtool connected therewithjmeans associated with the actuator for I orienting said actuator withinthe body, hydraulic means within the body connected with the actuator for imparting movement thereto to operate the actuator and, deflect the element in a direction in accordance with the position of the oriented actuator, and means for conducting a pressure fluid downwardly through the well pipe to the hydraulic means to actuate the same.

5. A well bore deflecting tddi including, a tubular body adapted to be coupled to the lower end 01' a drill stem, a drill bit assembly connected to to to'operate the actuator and deflect the assembly, means withinthe body for orienting the actuator within said body whereby when said actuator is operated the drill bit assembly is deflected or inclined in a predetermined direction lar body adapted to be coupled to the lower end of a drill stem, a drill bit assembly connected to the lower-end of the body by means of a knuckle joint so that'said assembly may undergo a limited universal movement relative to the body, an

actuator within the body adapted to engage and co-act' with the upper end of the drill bit assembly to cause deflection or inclination'of sa'id assembly, hydraulic means within the body connected with the actuator for imparting movement thereto to operate. the actu'aton and deflect the assembly, gravity cbntrolled means within the body for orienting the actuator, whereby when said actuator is operated by the hydraulic means the drill bit assembly is deflected or inclined in a redetermined direction with respect to the grave ity controlled means," and means for conducting a g pressure fluid downwardly through the drill stem to the hydraulic means to actuate the same.

' 'I. A well bore deflecting tool including, a tubular bodyadapted to bemupled to thelower end of a drill stem, a d ll bit assembly connected to thelower end of the-body by means ofa knuckle I Joint so that said assembly may undergo a'limited universal movement relative to the body, an

actuator within the body-adapted to engage and co-actwith the upper end of the drill bitiassembly tocause deflection or inclination of said assembly, hydraulic means within the body connected with the actuator for imparting movement thereto to operate the actuator and deflect the,

assembly, said tool having a flow passage estab-' iishing communication between the drill stem and the hydraulic means and also having a second passageestablishing communication between the drill .stemand drill bit assembly, and valve v means for controlling theiiow through said passages, whereby pressure fluid from the drill stem -may be first conducted to the hydraulic means to operate the actuator and thereby deflect or incline the bit assembly after which said fluid may be directed to the drill bit assemblyduring the drilling operation.

8. A well bore deflecting tool including, a tubu- 7 -lar body adapted to be coupled to the lower end of a drill stem, a drill bit assembly connected to the lower end of the body by means of a knuckle joint so that said assembly may undergo ,8. limited universal movement relative to the body, an

actuator within the body adapted to engage and.

co-act with the upper end of the drillbit assembly to cause deflection or inclination of said assembly, hydraulic means within the bodyconnectedwith the actuator for imparting move-' ment thereto to operate the actuator and deflect the assembly, saidtool having a flow passage establishing communication'between the drill a second passage establishing communication between the drill stem and drill bit assembly, valve means for controlling the flow through said passages, whereby pressure fluid from the drill stem may be first conducted to the hydraulic means to operate the actuator and thereby deflect or incline the bit assembly after which said fluid may be directed'to the drill bit assembly during the drilling operation, and fneans for controlling the valve by the imposition of the weight of the drill stem on the tool.

9.,A well bore deflecting tool'including, a tubular body adapted to be coupled to the lower end of adrill stem, a drill bit assembly connected to the lower end of the body by means of a knuckle joint so that said assembly is capable oi a swinging movement relative to the body, a rotatable shaft withinthe body, an actuator mounted on said shaft, a weight secured eccentrically to the shaft so as'to cause rotation of said shaft and actuator to a predetermined position relative to the low-side of the well bore, and means for moving the actuator into engagement with the upper end of the assembly to cause a deflection or inclinationof the assembly relative to the body and in a direction in accordance with the point of contact between the actuator and said assembly,

whereby the assembly is deflected in a predetermined direction. a

10. A well bore deflecting tool including, a tubular body adapted to be coupled to the lower end of a'drill stem, a'drill bit assembly connected to .the lower end of the body by means of a knuckle joint so that said assembly .is capable of a swinging movement relative to the body, a rotatable shaft within the body, an actuator mounted -on saidshaft, a weight secured eccentrically to the I shaft so as to' cause rotation of said shaft and actuator to a predetermined position relative to the low side of the well bore, and a hydraulically operated piston secured to the shaft and actuator for moving the actuator into engagement with the upper end of the assembly to cause a deflection or inclination of the assembly relative tothe body a. and in a direction in accordance with the point of contact between the actuator and said assembly, whereby the assembly is deflected ina predeter mined direction.

. 11. The combination with a drillstem, of a deflecting tool rotatably and slidably connected to the stem'so as to be'capable of a limited sliding movement relative thereto, said tool includ--- ing, a body, a drill bit assembly swingably connected to ,the body, an hydraulically operated 65 actuator within the body arranged to co-act with the assembly to deflect the same, means for orienting the actuator so that said actuator will deflect the assembly irf'a known I direction, means in the body for-conducting pressure fluid from the drill'stem to the drill bit assembly and to the-' hydraulically operated actuator, and valve means operated by the relative'movement of the drill stem and body for controlling theflowof fluid, through the body to these parts.

12. A well bore deflecting tool including, a body adapted to be connected to the lower end of a drill pipe, a drill bit assembly suspended from the body and capable of a limited universal movementrelative thereto, the upper end of said assembly extending into the body, a deflecting shoe within the body arranged to be moved down- 'wardly into engagement with the upper end of the assembly to deflect the, same, and gravity controlled means for orienting said shoe prior to its engagement with the assembly, whereby said assembly is deflected in a known direction relative to the oriented shoe.

, the body and capable of a limited universal movement relative thereto; an extension on the assembly projecting upwardly into the body, an 'actuator within the body adapted to move downwardly into engagement and to co-act with the extension to swing or deflect the assembly relative to the body, and gravity operated means for orienting the actuator to' effect deflection of the assembly in a predetermined direction with respect to'the oriented actuator.

14. A well bore deflecting tool including, a

body adapted to be connected to the lower end of a drill pipe, a drill bit assembly suspended from the body and capable of a limited universal movement relative thereto, an extension on'the assembly projecting upwardly into the body, a plumb bob within the body above the extension and arranged to swing toward the low side of the well bore, and means -for moving the plumb bob downwardly into engagement with the extension to swing the same and thereby swing or deflect the assembly in a predetermined known direction relative to the plumb hob and with respect to the of a drill pipe, a drill bit assembly suspended from the body and capable of a limited universal movement relative thereto, the upper end of said assembly extending into the body, a deflecting shoe extending radiallywithin the body arranged f to be moved downwardly into engagement with the upper end of the assembly to deflect the same, and gravity controlled means for orienting 7 said shoe prior to its engagement with the assembly, .whereby said assembly is deflected in accordance with the position of the oriented shoe. 16. An orienting apparatus for well devices including, a body adapted to be connected to the lower end of awell pipe, awell device suspended from the body and'capable' of a. universal movement relative thereto, means movable longitudinally within the body relative to the well device, 1

and a self-orienting deflecting member attached to the movable means and arranged to engage the well device at one-radial of said well device. e

LEONIDAS C. MILLER. 

